There is a movement afoot in Southern Arizona. Because of the way Paul Hackett was treated by our own party, progressives everywhere are paying closer attention to candidates who are willing to speak the truth. In Arizona, we have a Paul Hackett candidate. He speaks with frankness and truth and has a passion for making real change and represent the people. I just received an e-mail with an embedded letter to our State Democratic Chair. You need to read this!
To: "Sen. Harry Mitchell, Chair ADP"
Subject: CD8 primary race
Dear Mr. Mitchell,
I am a lifelong Democrat, a precinct committeperson, member of the State committee, and treasurer of the xxx County Democratic Party. I live in Congressional District 8 and have been looking forward for years to the prospect of replacing Jim Kolbe with a Democrat. We have a field of several condidates, some more qualified than others, for the voters to choose among in September. I believe the front runners are Jeff Latas, Gabrielle Giffords and Patty Weiss.
If the State party or the DNC attempt to do to Jeff Latas here what they did to Paul Hackett in Ohio, the damage to the Democratic party will be disastrous and, in Arizona at least, possibly fatal to the party. I am sure you are aware that Independent new registrations are outstripping Democratc registrations.
I can assure you that if the party at the state or national level attempts to interfere in our local ability to choose a candidate here in CD 8, we will know and the fallout will be immense.
Col. Jeff Latas declared his candidacy on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2005, while his Iraq vet son was hospitalized at Walter Reed. He had the support and encouragement of party leaders to be the next sacrificial lamb against the 11-term Republican incumbent, Jim Kolbe. But when Kolbe announced his retirement 13 days later, local career politicians and local celebrities came out of the woodwork to run.
These other candidates claim to be in the race because of the state of our nation. Where were they before Kolbe announced his retirement if they were so concerned? The dollars stopped coming in when the DLC big-money candidate came out of the woodwork. Many in the area didn't like the former Republican DLC candidate, and then political powers drafted a retired news anchor who presumably had "$2 million" dollar name recognition.
I have heard Col. Latas speak several times, and I'm impressed. He has the conviction to take on the 22-year incumbent, as well as the big-money and big-name candidates who lack his experience and drive. This is our new Paul Hackett and we must back candidates like Jeff Latas if we want candidates that exhibit character, leadership and spine. I hope that the Dems will see that and support him!